actress

[ak-tris]

noun

1. a woman who acts in stage plays, motion pictures, television broadcasts, etc., especially professionally.

actress

/ ˈæktrɪs /

noun

1. a woman who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc

2. informal,  a woman who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others

Usage

Use of the word actress to refer to a female who acts is old-fashioned. The modern gender-neutral form is actor

Gender Note

What's the difference between actress and actor? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of actress¹

First recorded in 1580–90; act(o)r + -ess

Example Sentences

For the Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, it’s a time to dress up, spend time with friends and family and share joy around her home.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Anna Maxwell Martin won the actress award for true crime drama Until I Kill You - which was filmed in Wales.

Read more on BBC

Meghan, a former actress on TV drama Suits, recently starred in a Netflix series in which she described her 'high-low' style approach to mixing designer and accessible fashion.

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“I’m as insecure as the next actress and I was like, good Lord, this is an opportunity.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For her work on the sitcom, she was voted Britain's all-time favourite actress in 1996, but after five years in the role, she felt it was time for a change.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• diva 
• leading lady 
• starlet